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Saturday, July 2, 2016

Centerpiece Basket with Vintage Flags

This last year I've been all about "decorating" the easiest way possible;

How to give a little flavor of the Holiday or Season without going over the top.

I found the old tapestry that had been hanging in my hallway at the other house, (sorry, I don't have a pic) and used it on top of two other fabric runners for some layering. I liked the vintage look and feel of the three distinct layers of browns, each with it's own subtle textures. They aren't at all summery or patriotic colors, just a nice feel of old world fabrics. Here is a better pic of the Toile that I found last year after Christmas. I've yet to sew it into a tablerunner, but it's easy to just fold the fabric and lay it on top the burlap.

I took the easy way and just added a pair of my vintage flags to my iron basket with Faux Hydrangeas, that's been on the table since last Fall. The ceilings here are so high, and this table is pretty heavy so it needs a centerpiece that has some visual "heft" to it. I love using this iron basket, the ivy is a staple, as are the Hydrangeas in muted colors of browns and greens, then just add in seasonal flowers life Sunflowers or Poinsettias or Autumn Leaves.

While rummaging through boxes this last Spring I found my pair of concrete sheep that had been on the sunporch, I was glad to see them again, so they're grazing here on the old tapestry.

While we're here, I thought I'd share a few pics of what else is going on. I found this old metal plant stand years ago, and it was just what this space needed. It's narrow and visually doesn't take up much space. Just the right size for an ivy on a silver tray.

Some of you about had a cow when I painted the clock back in my "spree", but I've never regretted it. It isn't old, and has a battery operated clock, so it fits in much better with my neutral palette.

Botanical Specimen Window

As you can see, this isn't a very large space.

We'll be spending a quiet weekend here,

I'm still trying to get back on my feet...literally.

The Saga Continues...

If you've been following my recovery from the Heart Surgery and the Anemia, then I have a new bit of information, that many of you could probably benefit from. As I've said before many times, you have to be your own health advocate. I'm sorry, but you just cannot depend on the doctors knowing or having answers to all your issues and symptoms. I can give you a list a mile long of examples, but all that does is make me angry and frustrated. I've realized that if the answer doesn't hit your doctor in the head within the 10 minutes you have with him, your out of luck. You will be forgotten because he has 25 other patients lined up and your problems and illnesses will be closed in your file as soon as he walks out the door. You need to have a list of questions with you which hopefully make them think about possibilites.

I've been researching the different kinds of anemia and it's a much more complicated diagnosis than you might imagine. There are 3 basic categories as to why someone might be anemic. 1) blood loss, from a illness or disease like gastric ulcer, colon polyp etc. 2) Nutritional imbalance by not eating a healthy and varied diet. (This is where vegans and vegetarians have to be careful. Iron is found in meat and dairy and if you don't eat those you're susceptible) and then 3) Hereditary Anemia or caused by a Disease or Condition. This is where it can get complicated and hard to diagnose.

Since I don't have the first two, I'm waiting for testing as to what the answer is. I've found I've had it all my life, just didn't know it, and my body has tried it's best to cope with the lack of iron and all the symptoms, most of which consisted of fatigue and weakness at times. You probably have heard of Pernicious Anemia, that's what Lord Merton on Downton Abbey was at first diagnosed with. It was called "Pernicious" because you usually died from it eventually. Now they know it's a simple fix with large doses of Vitamin B-12. B-12 is needed to help create the enzymes needed to make iron usable. Without B-12 you can be eating tons of iron rich foods and take all the supplements you can stomach but you'll still be anemic. A lot of people do B-12 shots periodically, I really didn't know that it was something medical, just thought it helped with having more energy. Anyway...so I thought, what the hay, I'll take a sublingual Vitamin B-12 supplement and see what happened...Within a few days I've seen a huge improvement in my dizziness and lightheadedness. It's only been 3 days but already I think this is helping. Next week, I see my new Internist, so I'm hoping for more concrete answers coming.

*(Larger doses of B-12 cannot hurt you, so if it ends up that's not the main problem, then no harm done.) There are lot's of reasons for weakness, fatigue, and lightheadedness, but this just wasn't one I knew about.

Debra,Goodness!I'm sorry to hear that you are still fighting to get and stay healthy, dear friend!I, totally, understand what you mean about being an advocate for yourself.Although I have an amazing Primary Care Physician, many times she chooses too many medications!When I began under her care many years ago, I told her I would be one of her greatest challenges.Also, that many times we would agree to disagree.My daily prayers continue on your behalf!I love the "light" touches of decor for the Fourth of July!The American Flags in the centerpiece basket are regal!Happy Fourth of July!Fondly,Pat

Your dining room chair covers are so beautiful too. Wonderful table display. And a great photo of the whole room. I'm so glad that you are finding things that are making you feel a little bit better! Happy July 4th!

Your woes bring back vivid recall of issues I had with advocating for close relatives years back. The one (with cardiomyopathy) receives B12 injections monthly and was dx'd with pernicious anemia. The other's ended up an even more complicated blood disorder, but persistence is key. You are so right in that being prepared with questions in hand and the Dr's 10 minute window are critical...have had to advocate for both myself and my husband in this last month. It becomes very necessary to be or become an extroverted personality to help yourself! I love your willingness to take on the task and do it, Debra. And I love your decor, with old friends coming out of storage. They make me happy. Our 4th is a quiet fizzle due to health circumstances, but our neighbor's twins made sure we had a few big bangs last night. I thought our balcony exploded.

Debra, I know what you mean about letting a Dr. intimidate you. I've worked for 2 different MD's in my position with Public Health. I was their Administrative Assistant for 24 years. Believe me when I say, they are no different from you or I. They are just people with big egos. They have their own set of problems, some self-made, and are just as goofy at times. I had a dear friend tell me one time that the best way to handle a doctor was to call them by their first names. It works!! :) Just talk to them like you would any one else, and be sure to stand your ground. You know your body way better than they do. I fought the VA for my former husband for over 10 years to get the services he required from his time in Viet Nam. Just keep standing your ground. I know you know all this, but I want to encourage you to really realize, Docs are not the be all end all. They just think they are. This is part tongue-in-cheek, but it is true. I'm hoping and praying for your continued improvement, and as always love your decor. Take care, and keep up the good fight. Have a quiet, lovely holiday.

If you have not already, make sure they check your vitamin D level too. Mine was non-existent until I started taking prescription doses. Really turned my fatigue around a lot. I still have low iron but I cannot seem to get it higher. But, it isn't so low as to be anemic so I am grateful. Good luck in your health care. Believe it or not, it wasn't my PCD that found the root of my fatigue, it was my rheumatologist!

Debra, I so can relate to your frustration with the medical profession. Our son is almost a year into stage IV colon cancer and has had to be the doctor and the patient nearly this whole time.......he is so tired of it!! He is now in NYC and just had the primary tumor removed and a pump to deliver chemotherapy only to his affected liver in concentrated doses. Our Lord is Mighty and powerful and is "Plan A". My prayers are with you do that He will heal and restore your health and you can live the life you want to. Living in the Midwest, all they will do is pretty much write you off and offer a little chemo to prolong your days. It is shameful in my estimation.....that if you want a proactive doctor, you have to go somewhere else. I am glad to hear that God has guided your research and led you to some answers........don't give up....what is impossible with man is possible with God!!!Blessings for health. Linda

I'm so sorry what your son has had to go through, I hope he's finally found the right course of action in this. You're right, it wears you out to have to fight for information and for someone to actually take the time to seek out your exact problems and care enough to see you get the help you need. I totally agree about God doing the impossible. thankyou xoxo

Nicely decorated space. Love the sheep. Glad to hear you are getting better.I wanted to comment on the B12 and Vitamin D3.I am a cancer survivor. When I, and it seems every woman on the planet, was advised to take Vitamin D, my tumor marker tests went crazy because D is an estrogen. Had to stop taking it. When I was told my B12 was really low and to choose between shots or pills, I told my pharmacist that the sublingual B on the shelf had very little B12, he ordered another one for me by 21st Century.

Debra, I just found your blog and I hope you keep posting! I love your new downsized home......my husband and I did the same thing last year and the freedom of getting rid of the excess has been a blessing. I'm glad you are feeling better.

I hope you continue to feel better. I remember the episode about Lord Merton. That had a happy ending and I hope you find healing soon. I love your concrete sheep. I was on a sheep kick during the spring. I love the flags in the hydrangeas. So pretty. Feel better! Saying a prayer for your recovery.

Debra, glad that you found something that is helping! Hopefully you will continue to feel better each day. Love your sheep and vintage flags. I have been finding some fun sheep after searching for a few years.hugs,Jann